PM Shehbaz Revokes Zafar Mahmood’s Appointment As IRSA Chief Amid Sindh Govt's Objection

The PM Office has issued a notification regarding the withdrawal of its previous order for Mahmood’s appointment as chairman of IRSA.

PM Shehbaz Revokes Zafar Mahmood’s Appointment As IRSA Chief Amid Sindh Govt's Objection

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rescinded the decision a day after selecting Zafar Mahmood, a retired grade 22 federal government officer, as head of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), in response to the Sindh government's objection. 

The Prime Minister's Office has issued a notification withdrawing its prior decision appointing Mahmood as IRSA chairman.

The development occurred when Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called PM Shehbaz about the issue. 

Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro said in a statement that CM Shah informed the prime minister of the Council of Common Interests' (CCI) decision to rotate the appointment of IRSA chairman among provinces. 

According to Shoro, PM Shehbaz agreed with Sindh's position and told CM Shah that the notice would be withdrawn.

The new chairman of the water regulator was picked yesterday for a three-year term under the IRSA legislation that restructured the authority; however, Sindh objected to the action, calling it a breach of constitutional norms. 

Mahmood previously served as secretary of establishment, commerce, water, and electricity, as well as Wapda chairman. On March 12, the prime minister authorized Mahmood's appointment as IRSA chairman from a list of three candidates, including IRSA's federal member and member Wapda. 

Meanwhile, the Sindh government voiced objections about the selection of the IRSA chairman, arguing that it breaches the water pact.